Last spring break, my 10 year old son decided that he wanted a change of scenery and wanted to change the look of his room. He didn’t like the color of the room so we decided to paint. One might think, what is there to say about painting a boys room? There is more than one might think.
When I worked in New York City, typically the 1st job give to any incoming assistant was to paint a wall. You ask, “Why? Are there a great deal of walls in New York in need of painting?” and the answer is, no. If you are working with a fashion photographer there is typically a cyc that requires painting occasionally but why your first job is to paint a wall is because painting a wall tells a great deal about how you may do the rest of your job. Painting a wall is not difficult but it takes time, attention to detail, patience and diligence. If you are going to do it right, everything needs to be taped off thoroughly, you need to put on several coats of paint, the coats of paint need to be applied evenly, the job is slow, tedious and can’t be rushed. If you neglect any of the methodical steps, you will ultimately end up with a sloppy job, poor edging, uneven coats, spots and drips. If you do these things well, you probably will approach the other jobs in a photo studio with the same diligence, which is critical. If you don’t, you might need to move along as you may not be cut out for the rigor and attention to detail that photography requires.
Do I like painting? NO! I hate it but, I know what is required and can do it well when asked.
Well, my 10 year old asked and now has a beautifully painted sea blue room.
So, go “Paint-A-Wall”. It may tell you more about you ability to be a photographer than you realize.
All the Best,
Brad Feinknopf
3 Responses to “PAINT THE WALL”
Brad Feinkopf says:
This was just posted on The Photo Editor and addresses the same topis but it is good to mention:
“any time we’re working with a new assistant for the first time, I’m always curious to see how they coil a cable. It’s not a test, more of an observation – are they cautions, are they thoughtful? Are they paying attention? You can learn a lot about someone’s work ethic from a very small and seemingly trivial.”
Dave says:
Brad, this post brought back a fond memory.
My first day as an OJT assistant with a local photographer
I indeed painted a wall. Being the very first day of assisting
Ever, still in school, I came dressed nice, dress pants, button down shirt.
Well, after taping off the wall and putting down the proper drop cloths,
I started painting, well on my second trip down the ladder I stepped
Right into the 5 gal. Bucket! Yep, all the way! The photographer thought he was on Candid camera or something, because no one does that!
Well, I stuck with photography regardless…and I painted many more walls.
And never stepped in that damn bucket again.
Thanks for the memory jolt!
Brad Feinkopf says:
Dave,
Similarly, when I worked with Richard Avedon, there was a dress code of a pressed white collared shirt and clean blue jeans. Being I was young and scrapping by, I didn't wish to get my clean clothes dirty when I “painted the cyc” so, I would change into a pair of red sweatpants. Unfortunately, I happened to be painting the cyc when Gianni Versace stopped by and Dick brought him into the studio where I was painting. They left and I was later pulled aside by the 1st assistant to Dick and told in no uncertain terms, “If you are ever caught in this studio wearing those f***ing red sweatpants again, you will be looking for a job elsewhere. Yes, we all have our stories of our failings.